Pedestrian Signal Safety - AAA Foundation for Traffic Safety

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SURVEY RESULTS
A total of 67 pedestrians were surveyed in White Plains, including 19 older pedestrians.
Approximately 90 percent of those approached declined to be surveyed. Pedestrians were
intercepted after they completed their crossing at PCD-equipped intersections and asked if they
would like to participate in a brief survey on pedestrian safety. Pedestrians were asked if they noticed
anything different about crossing at this intersection than at similar intersections in White Plains.
A follow-up question confirmed that the difference noted was the countdown signal. Forty-seven
(approximately 70 percent) of the pedestrians noticed the PCD signals.
All surveyed pedestrians were asked to explain the meaning of the countdown indication.
Approximately 90 percent of the pedestrians provided a satisfactory explanation of the countdown
indication. Of those pedestrians who had a preference regarding the use of TPS or PCD signals, 90
percent preferred the PCD signals. Similarly, approximately 85 percent of all pedestrians surveyed
indicated that the PCD signal was helpful in crossing the street safely.
EFFECT OF CHANGING WALKING SPEEDS ON PEDESTRIAN CLEARANCE TIMES
Table F-11 displays the required pedestrian signal times for different walking speeds and the time
available for that movement at each of the intersections studied. Table F-11 presents the ˝ symbol
where the total pedestrian signal time exceeded the available minimum green time. Key findings
related to the pedestrian WALK clearance time durations for the case study intersections included:
• The White Plains case study intersection did not have pedestrian intervals that exceeded the
available green time for any crosswalk and/or WALK time scenarios.